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Philippines

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Philippines rescues over 1,000 trafficking victims

Philippine authorities rescued over 1,000 people from several Asian nations, who were trafficked, held captive, and forced to run online scams promoting bogus crypto investments. The victims were made to work up to 18 hours a day, targeting people in the US, Europe, and Canada. At least 12 suspected ringleaders have been arrested and face human trafficking charges.

Philippines ex-foreign minister who stood up to China dies at 83

Former Philippine foreign minister Albert del Rosario, known for standing up to Beijing in the South China Sea, has passed away at the age of 83. Del Rosario served under Philippine President Benigno Aquino from 2011 to 2016 and was a fierce critic of China. He was behind two prominent legal cases against Beijing, including a 2013 case at an international tribunal that struck down China’s claims to most of the South China Sea.

China warns Philippine-US base deal ‘endangering regional peace’

China accused the US of endangering regional peace after it signed a deal with the Philippines allowing US troops to use four additional bases in the country, including one near the disputed South China Sea and another near Taiwan. The deal allows US forces to access a total of nine Philippine bases, in addition to storing defence equipment and supplies. The US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement aims to counter China’s increasing assertiveness over Taiwan and bases in the South China Sea.

12 killed after fire rips through Philippine ferry

12 people died and 230 were rescued after a ferry caught fire off the coast of Basilan province in the southern Philippines. Passengers were forced to jump overboard, and rescuers saved 195 passengers and 35 crew. Seven people are still missing, and it is uncertain how the fire started. The Philippines has a history of poor sea transport regulations, leading to overcrowding and accidents.

Philippine fishermen struggle as oil spill keeps them ashore

The Philippine tanker disaster continues to spread toxic sludge and oil across the waters, affecting hundreds of kilometers of marine life. The government has banned fishing and swimming indefinitely, leaving thousands of fishermen to wonder how long they can survive. Despite cleanup efforts, the oil keeps coming back, and experts estimate it will take at least six months to clean up the spill, with recovery taking years. The disaster could not have come at a worse time for people living hand-to-mouth, and the government’s assistance may not be enough to sustain their livelihoods for an extended period.

Philippine social media users face barrage of bogus medical posts

The Philippines has seen an increase in the spread of bogus and harmful medical posts on social media platforms during the pandemic. Misinformation on untested cosmetic products and quick-fix treatments for chronic illnesses circulate widely on Facebook, which is the most popular social media site among the country’s 76 million internet users. The consequences of using unapproved treatments can be dire, with some patients becoming blind after using eye drops bought online instead of consulting a doctor.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan defies arrest as supporters clash with police

Supporters of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan clashed with police overnight as he remained holed up in his Lahore residence defying attempts to arrest him. He was ousted from office by a no-confidence vote last year and has been campaigning for early elections and a return to office. Police fought pitched battles with his supporters near his residence, firing teargas and dodging rocks thrown by angry crowds.

Philippine police officer jailed for killing teens in rare drug war conviction

Philippine police officer Jefrey Perez has been found guilty of killing two teenagers during President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war. Only three police officers have previously been convicted for killing a suspect during the crackdown, which sparked an investigation at the International Criminal Court. More than 6,200 people died in the anti-narcotics campaign, according to official figures, but rights groups estimate the actual figure was in the tens of thousands.

Dozens sick in Philippine villages hit by oil spill

A sunken tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil caused an oil spill that has contaminated the waters and beaches of nine municipalities in the Philippines, causing dozens of residents to fall ill. The oil has been spotted as far as 130 kilometers away from where the tanker sank, sparking concerns for the region’s marine life and economy. Clean-up efforts are underway, and fishermen have been ordered to stay onshore until it is safe to fish again.

UN Committee finds Philippines failed to address ongoing discrimination and suffering of WWII sexual slavery victims

UN finds Philippines violated WWII sexual slavery victims’ rights. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women said the Philippine government breached its obligations by failing to address ongoing discrimination against the victims. The government waived its right to compensation after signing the Treaty of Peace with Japan. The Committee requested full reparation, including compensation, and an official apology. The case has renewed attention on wartime sexual slavery, with activists calling for more support for the victims and addressing ongoing discrimination. Similar cases have been filed by comfort women survivors in other countries, including South Korea.